Allium

Allium species

The allium family is a large and diverse one with over 500 species. It has not one but five possible wild plants it could have evolved from, all growing in central Asia.

Why does the allium family smell?

All closely related plants to the onion, (Leeks, Shallots, Garlic, Chives etc) contain thioallyl compounds or alliins. When cut or crushed the alliin within the product is converted by an enzymatic reaction into allicin, this quickly breaks down into sulphide compounds. Sulphide compounds are aromatic and this is what gives all the plants in the onion family their distinctive smell.